Keener98

For you Illini fans out there, here is a really good article about Zook and the Illini http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=3051881

Why? did Soriano and Ramirez tell him when they signed their massive contracts that they only planned on trying through September, and then theyd half ass their way through the next 3 games? He put together a playoff team. Nothing he did caused this collapse. He's a failure. Even with the playoff appearance the Cubs haven't even gotten back to the level they were in 2003, let alone making progress beyond that. All this year accomplished was making up SOME of the ground they lost since 2003. Four years with no progress is inexcusable.Do you realize that the Cubs offense and pitching were both better this year than in 2003? Statistically that might be the case but I want you to find anybody who would rather have Z, Lilly, and Hill over Prior, Wood, and Clement, and Zambrano. The #5 spot in the rotation in 2003 really hurts their stats overall. The bullpen and offense were better this year than 03, but I think you'd be hard pressed to find anybody wanting to take this years rotation, over 03. 2003 happened and was supposed to be the start of something good. Instead, we have 2004 where we have a better record than 2003, but choke down the stretch. Then the problems really start happening, and Hendry puts this organization back big time in 05 and 06. People like to point at the fact Hendry's teams have been to the playoffs twice in 5 years, big deal. The resources given to Jim Hendry during his time here have been so much greater than any GM in Cubs history, and the only 2 years his teams have made it to the playoffs, were in years when the entire division is a joke. I'd absolutely rather have the '03 rotation, but I'd also absolutely rather have this year's offense. But that's neither here nor there. I was just responding to the part of NCC's post that said that the Cubs haven't gotten back to the level they were at in 2003, because it's simply not true. They've gone beyond the level of the 2003 team. Ok gotcha, but I guess I really dont understand what the phrase "level of 2003" really means. I do know that I liked the long term future alot better of the 03 team than I do of the 07 team, but we all know how that worked out.

Apparently Benns injury is to the same shoulder he hurt earlier in the year. I havent heard anything regarding his status for the Hawkeyes. Only thing I seen was Zook saying Benn is going to have to stop stiff arming people.

I dont think they can get the Illini doubting themselves after the last 2 weeks. The key for Iowa,and any team facing the Illini, is can they stop the run? If they can stop the run, then they force Juice into throwing which isnt pretty. But stopping the Illini's run game is alot easier said than done. Mendenhall is a stud, Juice is a stud when running, and their offensive line is terrific. I expect the 1st half to be close, and then the Illini to come out in the 2nd half and put it to the Hawkeyes.

What does this even mean?

Why? did Soriano and Ramirez tell him when they signed their massive contracts that they only planned on trying through September, and then theyd half ass their way through the next 3 games? He put together a playoff team. Nothing he did caused this collapse. He's a failure. Even with the playoff appearance the Cubs haven't even gotten back to the level they were in 2003, let alone making progress beyond that. All this year accomplished was making up SOME of the ground they lost since 2003. Four years with no progress is inexcusable.Do you realize that the Cubs offense and pitching were both better this year than in 2003? Statistically that might be the case but I want you to find anybody who would rather have Z, Lilly, and Hill over Prior, Wood, and Clement, and Zambrano. The #5 spot in the rotation in 2003 really hurts their stats overall. The bullpen and offense were better this year than 03, but I think you'd be hard pressed to find anybody wanting to take this years rotation, over 03. 2003 happened and was supposed to be the start of something good. Instead, we have 2004 where we have a better record than 2003, but choke down the stretch. Then the problems really start happening, and Hendry puts this organization back big time in 05 and 06. People like to point at the fact Hendry's teams have been to the playoffs twice in 5 years, big deal. The resources given to Jim Hendry during his time here have been so much greater than any GM in Cubs history, and the only 2 years his teams have made it to the playoffs, were in years when the entire division is a joke.

If it was at Champaign, then yes. But Iowa is always tough at Kinnick, so it's going to be closer than what it should be. I still think Illinois wins by a TD. SIU-Northern Iowa is probably the biggest I-AA game of the year up to this date. If we can go there and get a win, we should go undefeated in the regular season. As far as NIU goes, I'll be surprised if they win another game this year. They are BAD. Agreed about IL-Iowa. Being at Iowa City, and after this big emotional win for the Illini, I wouldnt be surprised at all for a letdown. Like you I think they will pull it out, but it will be a close game.

You lost respect for them because they had a bad series? You act like they went out there and tried to have a terrible series, give me a break. They were trying and didnt get it done, its happened quite a bit during the season. This offense was streaky as hell. To say you lost respect for them is ignorant.

I agree Tree

They will prob be back in the top 25 now.....

Illinois run D was very good today. Their pass D needs work. Agreed about rarely throwing though that offensive line just manhandled the front 4 of Wisconsin, who was said to have 2 1st day pro prospects. Its nice to be excited about Illini football, the team is fun to watch, and knowing where they have came from makes it even more enjoyable. Any word on Benn or Juices injuries?

We might have made the playoffs, but we sure as hell didnt play in them.

I think you forgot to mention that our starting pitchers minus Z are very responsible. Hill and Lilly were pathetic

Boy, I sure am glad Z is going to be extra rested for next year. Way to save him for an imaginary game 4 Lou, brilliant.

Not sure I can agree with that.

Going to be a great weekend. 1st the Illini, 2nd the Cubs, then the Cubs again, and then the Bears.

who does purdue have left? because i don't see them as capable of running the table, not balanced enough. they'll get steamrolled tonight, though anyway. Purdue has Michigan, Iowa,Northwestern, Penn State, Michigan State, and Indiana.

Yea next weeks game could be a letdown game. After the big win today, I hope they dont overlook Iowa next week.

So as an Illinios fan, we should be rooting for Ohio State tonight right? We dont play Purdue this year, so if Ohio State wins then we can control our own destiny, by beating Ohio State. Is my thinking correct?

I-N-I WHAT A VICTORY TODAY FOR THE ILLINI. this illini team is an SEC style team. could have some incredible success against the lumbering giants in the big ten. Honestly, they only have Michigan and Ohio State left on their schedule, and we all know Michigan is nothing special. Next week could be trouble though too, coming off such a big win this week.

That RB is a lot better in a spread it out speed offense (the usual look for Illinois). He's not a huge bruiser. Besides, when you need less than a yard and you have a good runner at QB, you don't want to have to hand the ball off 5 yards in the backfield. There's simply too much time for possible penetration by the defense. But Mendehall was getting yards up the middle, outside, wherever he went. THeir offensive line is 1 of the best in the country, Id rather trust my guy averaging 8.5 yards a carry, than a qb trying to sneak it. To many things can go wrong on that sneak play(like the almost fumble).

Mendenhall with nearly 200 yards of total offense, 19 carries 160 yards for a 8.4 average

Zook getting teary eyed while doing his interview.

ILL-

ILLIOIS 1st down!!!! ILLINOIS WINS!!!!!!!!!